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Cuba Calls for Help Obtaining Swine Flu Vaccine

by VR Sreeraman on Oct 7 2009 2:34 PM

Cuba called on the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization to help it acquire doses of a vaccine against the A(H1N1) virus.

"The new vaccine against the A(H1N1) virus, which has begun being administered in more developed countries, is highly effective, but also very expensive," said Health Minister Luis Estruch.

"Our country is seeking the cooperation of the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization in obtaining the vaccine so it can be administered to those people most vulnerable to the virus," he said.

Speaking to official daily newspaper Granma, Estruch said that Cuba has purchased stocks of the seasonal flu vaccine, which does not specifically protect against swine flu, and would vaccinate the population groups at greatest risk.

With 468 confirmed cases of infection and no deaths from the A(H1N1) virus, Cuba is taking various measures, including a strong media campaign, to prevent a second wave of infections in the autumn.

Source-AFP
SRM


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